The Ayushman Bharat program, which has just ended its seventh year, represents an incredible revolution to India in its public healthcare system. Created to ensure that healthcare is affordable, accessible as well as equitable, the project has led to an increase in coverage of treatment, lessened the financial burden on families, and encouraged preventive care used on a massive scale.
One of the Strikes of Healthcare.
An Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which started in 2018, is currently the largest health insurance programme in the world. It has networking of over four lakh healthcare centers as well as almost seven lakh practitioners in India. Over 41 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued, which guarantees a cashless treatment at the point of care covering more than 55 crores citizens themselves.
Family Relief on a Financial basis.
The most notable impact that the scheme has had is the alleviation of medical costs burden. The public health expenditure in India increased to 48 per cent in 2022 as compared to 29 per cent in 2015, whereas out of pocket expenditure reduced to 39 per cent in 2022 compared to 63 per cent in 2015. Averages of Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 are saved by families on an average dialysis session and cancer care has increased by 90%. The average annual report of the Economic Survey 2024-25 also notes that Ayushman Bharat has ensured the distribution of about six crore individuals before falling into poverty and has saved the citizens an estimated amount of Rs1.25 lakh crore in medical expenses.
Holistic Healthcare and Preventive.
Ayushman Bharat focuses on prevention and wellness, above treatment. Over 55 crore screenings on hypertension and 48 crore diabetes screenings have been done. It has also seen the government actively organise more than 5.7 crore sessions of yoga and meditation, establish about 1.8 lakh Aarogya Mandirs which in turn generate awareness and early diagnosis of diseases.
Increasing Access to emergency care.
This plan has increased the access to such treatments as dialysis and cancer treatment as well as major surgeries which are now affordable and accessible even to the complex procedures. It has helped lower death rates and enhanced the outcome of recovery by aiding timely interventions.
Technology-Driven Healthcare
Having more than 72 crore digital health records, the Ayushman Bharat indicates the strength of technology in the healthcare delivery. Digital tools are also insuring transparency, quicker claims processing, and data-driven planning producing a more efficient system.
The Nadia Foundation, People and Hope.
Ayushman Bharat has Adults further removed barriers in the healthcare for millions of families and has spread healthcare to underserved communities. It has become an international model of universal care and has demonstrated that effective policy and care can change the healthcare system of a country.